Whole body vibration (WBV) isn't new technology; it has been utilized for over a century and offers a variety of fitness and therapeutic benefits. If you are looking for the science behind your vibration plate or just want to know more about the benefits of vibration therapy, we've got you covered!

Health & Wellness

Whole body vibration isn't just for those treating specific illnesses or injuries! Vibration therapy has also proven effective for helping those with skin, aging, and general pain concerns. Whole body vibration systems offer a safe alternative to liver- and kidney-compromising drugs, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others. Read on to learn how vibration therapy can help you achieve your desired results without chemicals or unpleasant side-effects.

Skin Relief

Whole body vibration has proven benefits for skin conditions through increased circulation. Blood flow is crucial to skin health, bringing nutrition to cells and repairing those damaged by sun or aging.

A 2012 study by the Department of Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University explored the effects of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin. Forty-five subjects, between 18 and 43 years of age, were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received vibration exercise training; the second received traditional exercise training and the third received vibration without exercise training. Each group was tested for baseline scores, immediately after the training and 10-minutes post-training. Researchers found that the group utilizing vibration-only double their skin blood flow and maintained the increased blood flow for a minimum of 10 minutes.

Aging Related Issues

Aging is an unavoidable process. While aging can lead to substantial mental growth, experience and knowledge, it brings some less pleasant changes to the body. As we age, muscle degeneration, cell death and bone loss can cause us to lose our health and well being. While there are a number of anti-aging therapies available (ranging from cosmetic to pharmaceutical), they can be time consuming and costly. Vibration therapy offers an affordable, proven way to improve the aging process.

A 2013 study by the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at PLA General Hospital (Beijing, China) researched the effects of whole-body vibration on mobility function, balance, and general health in the elderly. The study consisted of forty-four subjects, all of which met the Fried Frailty Criteria. At the conclusion of the eight week trial, subjects had improved their time for the Up and Go test, posture stability ranking and general health status scores. No negative side effects were observed during the study, and researchers determined that whole body vibration exercise is a safe and effective method to improve mobility, strength, balance and overall health in the elderly.

For an aging individual, improvements in these areas, with the added benefits of total body improvements, allow a better quality of life. Whole body vibration allows seniors to achieve fitness and independence levels well beyond the norm.

Pain Relief

Millions of people around the world are affected by acute or chronic pain. General pain affects more people than all other major illnesses, numbering at more than 100 million in the U.S. alone. Acute pain refers to pain that is sharp and immediate, and lasts no longer than 6 months. Chronic pain dwells for a longer period of time, limits mobility, and may have no discernible cause or treatment. Chronic pain sufferers focus on alleviation of symptoms through physical therapy, pharmaceutical treatment and surgical intervention.

Vibration therapy offers a viable alternative to traditional pain treatment. Whole body vibration machines are designed to stimulate the skeletal muscles, large group muscles, nerve endings and circulatory system, offering great potential to those managing chronic pain. Whole body vibration also offers a way to activate your body’s osteoclasts and osteoblasts (the cells responsible for breaking down and forming bone). WBV also signals the activation of muscle innervations cells, which require physical activity to utilize. Vibration training is effective for pain management patients because it meets two valuable criteria: first, it is brief, so it will not cause undue discomfort due to exceptionally long session times. Second, it is low impact. Traditional fitness routines can be extremely hard on the muscles, joints and nerves, so a low impact regimen can have great benefits.

Headaches and migraines are some of the most common forms of chronic pain and among the most debilitating. Over the counter medication is the most frequently recommended solution, but it can be ineffective and carries the risk of kidney and liver damage. Vibration therapy offers a proven alternative to common pharmaceutical intervention. WBV stimulates neurogenesis (the creation of brain cells). By stimulating the creation of new neural cells and increasing circulation, the body is more able to repair and replace injured or damaged cells, such as those that cause headaches and severe migraines.